FORM IDENTIFICATION APPARATUS, FORM PROCESSING SYSTEM, FORM PROCESSING METHOD AND COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM - A form identification apparatus includes a form registration unit and a candidate registered form extracting unit. The form registration unit registers stylized forms as registered forms, and sets, for each of the registered forms, content of form processing and a threshold for determining a degree of difference in accordance with the content of the form processing. The candidate registered form extracting unit extracts, as a candidate registered form, the registered forms in which content of form processing executable on a to-be-processed form has been set, based on a degree of difference between an image of the to-be-processed form and an image of each of the registered forms and the threshold.

2011-07-21

20110176736

DYNAMIC RESPONSE BUBBLE ATTRIBUTE COMPENSATION - Image data of a response form is processed. The response form has a plurality of response bubbles, including at least one filled and at least one unfilled response bubble. One or more baseline response bubble attributes for unfilled response bubbles are provided in a memory. Image data of a response form is processed to determine one or more response bubbles that are unfilled. One or more actual response bubble attributes of the one or more unfilled response bubbles is then calculated. A difference metric value is then calculated by comparing the one or more baseline response bubble attributes to the one or more actual response bubble attributes. The one or more baseline response bubble attributes are reset to a new set of one or more baseline response bubble attributes if the difference metric value exceeds a predetermined threshold. The one or more baseline response bubble attributes are maintained at their present value if the difference metric value does not exceed the predetermined threshold. The image data of the response form is then processed using either the reset or maintained one or more baseline response bubble attributes to determine the filled and unfilled response bubbles of the response form.

2011-07-21

20110176737

PERSONALIZED TAG RANKING - Personalized tag ranking of images, including identifying within a reference image collection any images that are similar to an input image, identifying within a source image collection any images that have associated tags that are similar to a set of input tags associated with the input image, identifying among the images identified in the reference image collection any images that are similar to the images identified in the source image collection, and calculating a weight for each of a plurality of tag pairs, where each of the tags in each of the tag pairs is associated with a different subset of the images in the reference image collection identified as being similar to the images identified in the source image collection, and ranking the input tags of the input image in accordance with a predefined ranking function as applied to the tag pair weights.

2011-07-21

20110176738

RESOLUTION CONVERSION UPON HIERARCHICAL CODING AND DECODING - In a decoding method of decoding encoded image data which has been hierarchically encoded in advance, a size of an image to be outputted is determined, and then the encoded image data is decoded up to a layer of hierarchy which is at least one layer more than a minimum number of layer/layers of hierarchy necessary to acquire an image of the determined size.

Image processing apparatus and image processing method - An image processing apparatus is disclosed which includes: an analysis filtering section configured to transform a line block into coefficient data decomposed into frequency bands by performing an analysis filtering process hierarchically, the line block including image data of as many lines as needed for generating the coefficient data of at least one line in a subband of the lowest-frequency component; an encoding section configured to encode the coefficient data generated by the analysis filtering section; and an alignment section configured to align, in increments of a predetermined data length, the encoded data obtained by encoding the coefficient data by the encoding section.

2011-07-21

20110176743

DATA COMPRESSION METHODS - Data compression methods include an adaptive context sensitive compression (ACSC) method for data compression, a generalized discrete wavelength transform (GDWT) method for data compression, and a data compression method combining both the ACSC method and the GDWT method. The ACSC method improves upon the conventional CSC method with the development of a more informed adaptive estimate of the relative bandwidth, and hence the corresponding sampling rate, for each row of an image, rather than a global decimation rate for all the rows of the image. The GDWT method may be successful with N is an arbitrary number and may result in reduced computational complexity and reduced storage requirements, as compared to conventional DWT, when N is not a power of two.

2011-07-21

20110176744

Apparatus and method for image interpolation using anisotropic gaussian filter - An apparatus and method for image interpolation using an anisotropic Gaussian filter, the image interpolation apparatus including: an edge information calculator calculating a first edge orientation that is an orientation of an edge of each of a plurality of pixels that constitute an input low resolution image, and first edge orientation energy that is a maximal strength of the edge corresponding to the first edge orientation; an image enlarging unit calculating a second edge orientation and second edge orientation energy of each of pixels to be interpolated, which are obtained by subtracting reference pixels corresponding to each of the pixels of the low resolution image among a plurality of pixels that constitute the high resolution image that is obtained by enlarging the low resolution image, based on the first edge orientation and the first edge orientation energy of the adjacent reference pixels; and a pixel value calculator calculating a value of each of the pixels to be interpolated, by using an interpolation filter having a direction and a width determined according to the second edge orientation and the second edge orientation energy of each of the pixels to be interpolated. The Gaussian filter having a direction and a width that are adaptively adjusted according to an orientation and strength of an edge is used to interpolate values of pixels of a high resolution image that is obtained by image enlargement so that deterioration of image quality can be minimized with a small amount of calculation and an image with high quality and high resolution can be generated.

2011-07-21

20110176745

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR REDUCING ARTIFACT DUE TO TIME DELAY IN DATA ACQUISTION SYSTEM IN COMPUTER TOMOGRAPHY - The CT imaging system optimizes its image generation by substantially reducing artifacts caused by a known amount of readout time lag in the X-ray detectors or data acquisition system. Although each detector row takes the same amount of time to read out the signals, the time lag cumulates over the rows as each row is sequentially read out. The back-projection coordinates are correspondingly corrected based upon the above described delay.

2011-07-21

20110176746

METHOD FOR REGISTERING A SET OF POINTS IN IMAGES - The disclosure relates to an image processing method for estimating a brain shift in a patient, the method involving: the processing of a three-dimensional image of the brain of a patient, acquired before a surgical operation, in order to obtain a reference cerebral arterial tree structure of the patient; the processing of three-dimensional images of the brain of the patient, acquired during the operation, in order to at least partially reconstitute a current cerebral arterial tree structure of the patient; the determination from the combination of the reference and current cerebral arterial tree structures, of a field of shift of the vascular tree representing the shift of the current vascular tree in relation to the reference vascular tree; the application of the determined field of shift of the vascular tree to a biomechanical model of the brain of the patient in order to estimate the brain shift of the patient; and the generation, from the estimated brain shift, of at least one image of the brain of the patient, in which the brain shift is compensated.

2011-07-21

20110176747

METHOD AND PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE FOR PROCESSING - A method and portable electronic device for processing images are provided. Images are stored electronically at a remote server as attachments to message data, message data received at the portable electronic device with indicators identifying corresponding attachments to the message data. The portable electronic device comprises a processing unit interconnected with an input device, and a display device. First input data is received indicative that one of the indicators, corresponding to one of the images, has been selected, causing the image to be retrieved from the remote server. The received image is displayed at the display device. Second input data is received indicative that a next one of the images is to be displayed, the second input data received while the first retrieved images is displayed at the display device. The next images is then received from the remote server and processed to display it at the display device.

2011-07-21

20110176748

SYSTEM FOR REMOTELY GENERATING AND DISTRIBUTING DICOM-COMPLIANT MEDIA VOLUMES - A system for generating digital image media volumes includes a digital image terminal for receiving, processing, and transmitting digital image data, and being adapted for processing the digital image data into one or more discrete DICOM-standard data objects. The system further includes a media volume production facility remotely located from the digital image terminal, and communicatively coupled to the digital image terminal via a server-operated computer network.

2011-07-21

20110176749

Compostable Natural-Fiber Food Storage Bag - A biodegradable natural-fiber disposable food storage container for storing a serving of food is formed of an envelope made of a generally unitary blank of a suitable paper that is generally resistant to food fluids such as blood, juices, sauces, etc., but admits at least some permeation of water vapor and atmospheric fluids. Accordion-fold side panels allow the envelope to store flat and open up to accommodate the food article. Two half-panels join at an overlap to form a closed front panel. A water-based glue closes the envelope sides and base, while a repositionable adhesive on the flap closure allows the envelope to be opened and resealed.

2011-07-21

20110176750

FOLDABLE BAG - A foldable bag includes a thin film sheet and a plurality of spaced panels attached to the thin film sheet. Edges of the thin film sheet are coupled. Interstices between the spaced panels form hinges that permit folding, unfolding and compact refolding of the bag.

2011-07-21

20110176751

ZIPPER WITH INTERMESHING FLANGE CONTOURS CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS - A reclosable zipper is illustrated, which includes a first profile having a first interlocking element, a first consumer side flange with a first consumer side intermeshing contour and a first product side flange with a first product side intermeshing contour. The zipper includes a second profile which includes a second interlocking element, a second consumer side flange with a second consumer side intermeshing contour, and a second product side flange with a second product side intermeshing contour. The first and second consumer side intermeshing contours are complementary intermeshing contours and the first and second product side intermeshing contours are complementary intermeshing contours. As a result, when the interlocking elements are engaged, the first and second consumer side intermeshing contours are capable of intermeshing and the first and second product side intermeshing contours are capable of intermeshing.

PACKAGE HAVING A PRINTED LAMINATE - A package is fabricated with a first polymer film having reverse printed matter thereon, a second polymer film, and a woven bag, wherein the printed matter is between the first and second polymer films, and the second polymer film is positioned with the first polymer film at an outward facing side of the woven bag, or is positioned at an inward facing side of the woven bag. The second polymer film of the composite isolates the printed matter from cross contamination with contents intended for the woven bag.

2011-07-21

20110176754

LINEAR MOTION GUIDE UNIT - Lubrication for rolling elements are made in a turnaround passage in an end cap to ensure proper and steady lubrication by the lubrication system simple in construction, with accompanying sustainable maintenance-free condition for lubrication. The end cap has an inward end surface facing directly towards the end surface of the carriage of the slider and having a concavity which sinks below the inward end surface and has openings communicating with the turnaround passages. A porous compact impregnated with lubricant is fitted into the concavity in a fashion exposed in part to the turnaround passage through the openings so that the rolling elements rolling through the turnaround passages, as coming into rolling-contact with the parts of the porous compact exposed out of the openings, are applied with the lubricant.

2011-07-21

20110176755

INTERLOCKING DEVICE FOR SLIDE RAIL - An interlocking device for a slide rail is connected with other interlocking devices through a cable. The interlocking device has a sliding block and a rotary disc disposed on a fixed base. The rotary disc is disposed thereon with a stop block. The sliding block and the stop block are connected with the rotary disc respectively by second springs to link each other. The stop block is connected with a pulley of a slide rail. The sliding block is connected with the cable so that when the slide rail slides outward, the slide rail drives the stop block, the rotary disc, and the sliding block to move synchronously. After the pulley is separated from the stop block, the cable is drawn tightly by the sliding block to lock the other interlocking devices.

2011-07-21

20110176756

GUIDE DEVICE FOR SLIDING UNIT IN MOBILE TERMINAL - A guide device for a sliding unit in a mobile terminal is provided. The guide device includes a lower slide including latch portions formed to open outwards, guide rails manufactured independently to be assembled with the latch portions, wherein the guide rails are disposed to extend in a longitudinal direction of the lower slide, and a guide plate comprising rack portions coupled with the guide rails, wherein the guide plate is disposed to face the lower slide.

2011-07-21

20110176757

MAINTENANCE-FREE BEARING WITH TOLERANCE COMPENSATION PROPERTIES AGAINST WEAR AND MISALIGNMENT - A system for elastically compensating for wear, thermal expansion and misalignment comprises a ring located between a housing and a pin in the bore of the housing. The ring has a backing layer, an expanded grid structure having a plurality of openings, a low friction layer penetrated into the openings of the expanded grid structure, and adhesive for bonding the backing layer, expanded grid structure and low friction layer together to provide elastic deformation of the ring between the housing and pin.

2011-07-21

20110176758

FLUID DYNAMIC BEARING DEVICE - In order to easily and inexpensively manufacture a shaft member provided with a flange, which is capable of stably yielding excellent bearing performance, a shaft member (

BEARING STRUCTURE - A bearing structure includes a radial bearing for rotatably supporting an end of a rotary shaft while the rotary shaft receives a thrust load. The rotary shaft has an outer periphery. The bearing structure is characterized by comprising a rolling body supported in the radial direction of the rotary shaft within the bearing, a support portion for rotatably supporting the rolling body, an extended portion extending from the support portion toward the axial direction of the rotary shaft. The support portion is fit over an outer periphery of the rotary shaft. The extended portion is press-fitted over the outer periphery of the rotary shaft.

2011-07-21

20110176761

ROLLING BEARING - A rolling bearing includes: a first raceway member; a second raceway member; rolling elements; a guide member; and a cage. The guide member is formed integrally with or separately from the second raceway surface, and includes: an annular guide surface arranged at a position different from a second raceway surface of the second raceway member in an axial direction; a flow path in which compressed air for supplying lubricating oil flows; and an annular groove provided in the guide surface in a circumferential direction. The annular groove has: a discharge opening connected to the flow path in a groove bottom part; and an introducing surface configured to introduce the compressed air toward the second raceway member in the axial direction. The annular cage holds the rolling elements and has a guided surface opposing the guide surface such that the guided surface can slidably contact the guide surface.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SENSING PROPERTIES OF A WORKPIECE AND EMBEDDING A PHOTONIC SENSOR IN METAL - Systems and methods for sensing properties of a workpiece and embedding a photonic sensor in metal are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, systems for sensing properties of a workpiece include an optical input, a photonic device, an optical detector, and a digital processing device. The optical input provides an optical signal at an output of the optical input. The photonic device is coupled to the workpiece and to the output of the optical input. The photonic device generates an output signal in response to the optical signal, wherein at least one of an intensity of the output signal and a wavelength of the output signal depends on at least one of thermal characteristics and mechanical characteristics of the workpiece. The optical detector receives the output signal from the photonic device and is configured to generate a corresponding electronic signal. The digital processing device is coupled to the optical detector and determines at least one of the thermal characteristics and mechanical the characteristics of the workpiece based on the electronic signal.

2011-07-21

20110176764

INTEGRATED PLANAR POLYMER WAVEGUIDE FOR LOW-LOSS, LOW-CROSSTALK OPTICAL SIGNAL ROUTING - The present invention provides a planar waveguide. In one embodiment, the planar waveguide includes first and third layers formed above a substrate and adjacent each other. The first and third layers are formed of a first material having a first index of refraction. The planar waveguide also includes a second layer formed between the first and third layers of a second material having a second index of refraction that is larger than the first index of refraction. The planar waveguide further includes a plurality of organo-functional siloxane based resin or polymer waveguides formed in the second layer. Each organo-functional siloxane based resin or polymer waveguide has an input on one edge of the second layer and an output on one edge of the second layer so that the input and output are on different line-of-sight paths. The plurality of organo-functional siloxane based resin or polymer waveguides is formed such that intersections of the plurality of organo-functional siloxane based resin or polymer waveguides occur at approximately right angles.

2011-07-21

20110176765

OPTICAL INTERCONNECTION APPARATUS AND METHOD - The present invention relates to the apparatus and method for optical interconnection. The present invention provides an optical interconnection structure comprising: a substrate on which double side perforated multi-hole through a predetermined region is formed; bottom hole which is etched and tapered for optical fiber array is bigger than upper hole which is etched for the optical devices. The present invention provides the optical interconnection structure that can facilitate the optical interconnection between the active optoelectronic devices that transmit/receive the optical signals and the optical fiber array, making it possible to align easily and acutely between the optical devices and optical fiber array.

2011-07-21

20110176766

OPTICAL FIBER CONNECTION STRUCTURE AND SINGLE-MODE FIBER - An optical fiber connection structure which reduces MPI in the use of an optical fiber with a bend resistance improved by forming holes in the fiber, and a single-mode fiber which reduces MPI are provided. A second cladding portion of a second single-mode fiber

OPTICAL SPECTRAL FILTER, ANGULAR FILTER AND POLARISER - A filter and fabrication process for a thin film filter that is based on frustrated total internal reflection and multiple waveguide layers, in which the waveguide modes are resonantly coupled. The physics of the design is related to prism coupling of light into planar waveguides, and waveguide coupling between planar waveguides in close proximity. Embodiments include a filter that acts as a bandpass filter and polarizer, a filter that acts as a bandpass filter, polarizer and angle filter (spatial filter), a filter that is widely tunable, and a filter that is widely tunable in both peak transmission wavelength and width. Methods of fabrication are disclosed, and methods to correct for manufacturing errors in thin film deposition are described. The filter embodiments can also be used in reflection as notch filters in wavelength and angle, for a particular polarization component.

2011-07-21

20110176769

Spherical optical splitter/combiner - This disclosure describes a device that belongs to the field of optical devices. More specifically it is a novel way of achieving light splitting or combining using a spherical reflector with a single input and multiple outputs, or multiple inputs and a single output.

2011-07-21

20110176770

METHOD AND APPARATUS RELATED TO A SIDE-FIRE MEMBER HAVING A DOPED SILICA COMPONENT - In one embodiment, an apparatus may include an optical fiber that may have a surface non-normal to a longitudinal axis of a distal end portion of the optical fiber. The surface may define a portion of an interface configured to redirect electromagnetic radiation propagated from within the optical fiber and incident on the interface to a direction offset from the longitudinal axis. The apparatus may also include a doped silica cap that may be fused to the optical fiber such that the surface of the optical fiber may be disposed within a cavity defined by the doped silica cap.

2011-07-21

20110176771

PHOTONIC DEVICES HAVING DEGENERATE SPECTRAL BAND EDGES AND METHODS FOR USING THE SAME - Provided herein are photonic devices configured to display photonic band gap structure with a degenerate band edge. Electromagnetic radiation incident upon these photonic devices can be converted into a frozen mode characterized by a significantly increased amplitude, as compared to that of the incident wave. The device can also be configured as a resonance cavity with a giant transmission band edge resonance. In an exemplary embodiment, the photonic device is a periodic layered structure with each unit cell comprising at least two anisotropic layers with misaligned anisotropy. The degenerate band edge at given frequency can be achieved by paper choice of the layers' thicknesses and the misalignment angle. In another embodiment, the photonic device is configured as a waveguide periodically modulated along its axis.

2011-07-21

20110176772

METHODS AND APPARATUS RELATED TO A DISTAL END OF A SIDE-FIRE OPTICAL FIBER HAVING MULTIPLE CAPILLARY COMPONENTS - In one embodiment, an apparatus may include a first capillary component. A second capillary component may be disposed outside of the first capillary component and may have an inner surface, wherein a portion of the inner surface may be heat-fused to an outer surface of the first capillary component. The apparatus may also include a portion of an optical fiber disposed inside of the first capillary component and the portion of the optical fiber can have an outer surface. A portion of the outer surface of the optical fiber may be heat-fused to an inner surface of the first capillary component. The optical fiber may have a distal surface configured to reflect electromagnetic radiation propagated along a longitudinal axis of a distal end portion of the optical fiber in a lateral direction through the inner surface of the first capillary component and the inner surface of the second capillary component.

2011-07-21

20110176773

PLUG/SOCKET ARRANGEMENT - The present invention relates to a plug/socket arrangement, in particular an electrical and/or optical plug/socket arrangement of an aircraft or spacecraft, which comprises a housing and at least one insert which can be received in the housing. It further comprises a releasable connection means which is adjustable between a locked position, in which the insert and the housing are locked to one another, and an unlocked position, in which the insert and the housing are not locked to one another; and an adjustment member which is adjustable between an inoperative position, in which the adjustment member is not operatively connected to the connection means, and a release position, in which the adjustment member is operatively connected to the connection means for releasing the locked position into the unlocked position of the connection means.

2011-07-21

20110176774

OPTICAL FIBER HANDLER FOR A FIBER OPTIC CONNECTION TERMINATION SYSTEM - An optical fiber handler for optical connector termination systems and other devices are disclosed herein. The optical fiber handler attaches to the optical fiber or cable and cooperates with other components for preparing the optical fiber and/or making the optical connection, thereby providing a simple, reliable, and easy termination for the optical fiber. For instance, the handler may cooperate with one or more of the following a strip tool, strip/clean tool, cleave tool for preparing the end of the optical fiber(s), and/or a mechanical splice connector for making the optical connection. Additionally, after the optical fiber handler is attached to the mechanical splice connector it may be easily removed by the craft if necessary to reposition and reterminated the mechanical splice.

2011-07-21

20110176775

OPTICAL FIBER CONNECTOR - An optical fiber connector includes a first protecting body and a second protecting body detachably assembled to the first protecting body. The first protecting body includes a first base plate and a first housing extending out from the first base plate. The first base plate defines a first receiving hole to communicate with the first housing. The second protecting body includes a second base plate and a second housing extending out from the second base plate. The second base plate defines a second receiving hole to communicate with the second housing. The second housing and the first housing together define an accommodating space therebetween.

2011-07-21

20110176776

MULTI-CORE OPTICAL FIBER, OPTICAL CONNECTOR AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING MULTI-CORE OPTICAL FIBER - A multi-core optical fiber which has a plurality of core portions arranged separately from one another in a cross-section perpendicular to a longitudinal direction, and a cladding portion located around the core portions, the multi-core optical fiber comprises a cylindrical portion of which diameter is even, and a reverse-tapered portion gradually expanding toward at least one edge in the longitudinal direction, wherein a gap between each adjacent ones of the core portions in the reverse-tapered portion is greater than that in the cylindrical portion.

2011-07-21

20110176777

Apparatus For Optical Fiber Connection - An apparatus for optical fiber connection is provided, including a shell base and at least an optical fiber coupling tube. The inner shape and the outer shape of the shell base are made according to the different types of optical fiber connection apparatus specifications. The optical fiber coupling tube is fixed to the inside of the shell base. The optical fiber tube includes a hard tube wall along the axis of the tube and at least a deformable tube wall. The deformable tube wall is resilient and can be slightly deformed and restored to original shape. When used for connecting optical fibers, the present invention provides precise positioning and the optical signal loss and pulling torque are all within specifications.

Optical Fiber Array Connectivity System for Multiple Row Trunk Cables and Terminals - A fiber optic trunk cable that can be used for connecting multi-channel transceivers includes: a plurality of optical fibers; and first and second terminals attached to opposite ends of the fibers, each of the terminals having an alignment key. The fibers enter the first terminal in an arrangement of 2N rows, wherein N is an integer, and enter the second terminal in an arrangement of 2N rows. Each fiber defines a position in the first terminal with respect to the alignment key that is laterally transposed and row-inverted to the position the fiber defines in the second terminal Such a cable can be employed with appropriate equipment cords and transceivers.

Water-Soluble Water-Blocking Element - The present invention provides optical-fiber communication cables with an improved water-blocking element that reduces or eliminates microbending caused by water-swellable particulate powders. In one embodiment, such water-swellable powders may be employed in conjunction with a smooth water-soluble carrier tape. In another embodiment, such water-swellable powders may embedded within a water-soluble binder. The water-blocking element is deployed within optical-fiber buffer tubes to water-block the buffer tubes and to minimize microbending that can occur when water-swellable particulate powders press against optical fibers.

System For An Internal Rotating Storage Spool Combined With Top And Bottom Cable Access In A Fiber Distribution Terminal - A fiber distribution terminal for use in an environmentally sealed enclosure can include a rotatable spool for housing input fiber cable. The spool is configured to be mounted in the environmentally sealed enclosure. The fiber distribution terminal can also include an adapter pack that secures the connections between fibers of the input fiber cable and fibers of the output fiber cable. The fiber distribution terminal can include an adapter plate that guides the routing of both the input and output fiber cables internal to the enclosure. The fiber distribution terminal can also include a spool lock that can direct the cable routing to a first side or a second side of the fiber distribution terminal.

2011-07-21

20110176785

FIBER OPTIC CONNECTOR HOLDER - A fiber optic connector holder including a housing with at least one cavity for receiving a fiber optic connector with a dust cap in place about a terminal end of the connector. The housing may be integrally molded with retaining structures for releasably engaging the fiber optic connector and releasable catches for mounting the housing at a mount location. The presence of a fiber optic connector within a cavity of the housing may prevent the removal of the housing from a mounting location.

2011-07-21

20110176786

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ADJUSTMENT OF VIDEO SETTINGS - An electronic device includes display control logic for adjusting video settings of the electronic device in order to improve the display of portable media player files on the electronic device. The video settings may include picture settings for a display subsystem of the electronic device, video processing methods stored within a processor of the electronic device, and expansion ratios for images received from the portable media player. A method of operating the electronic device may include acquiring media file data, such as the expansion ratio and file type, from the portable media player and using the data to determine the video settings.

2011-07-21

20110176787

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING ENHANCED RECORDING OPTIONS OF MEDIA CONTENT - Systems and methods for providing enhanced recording options for media content are provided. The systems and methods permit users to view or otherwise access samples of media content before deciding whether to record additional episodes of the media content or to perform other media guidance application functions. An interactive media guidance application implemented at least partially on a user's equipment displays at least one media content listing. A user may then select to record a sample or portion of the media content listing. After the user has subsequently viewed at least a portion of the recorded media content, the interactive media guidance application may provide an option to record an entire version of the recorded sample, record another episode of the media content, record an entire series of the media content, erase the recorded sample, or perform other media guidance application functions.

2011-07-21

20110176788

Method and System for Associating an Object to a Moment in Time in a Digital Video - A system and method for object association with a digital video. The method includes determining a marked moment in a timeline of a source digital video by a computer. The marked moment is associated with an object, and more particularly, the marked moment is associated with a representation of the object. For instance, in one implementation, the marked moment is associated with a caption including textual commentary related to the marked moment and/or the digital video.

METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCTS FOR COORDINATING PLAYING OF MEDIA STREAMS - Methods and systems are described for coordinating playing of media streams. In one aspect, an access by a media player to a presentation device to play a media stream is detected. Additionally, presentation focus information is accessed for determining whether the media player has presentation focus for playing the media stream. Further, it is determine, based on the presentation focus information, that the media player has presentation focus for playing the media stream. Still further, in response to determining the media player has presentation focus, it is indicated that the media player is allowed to play the media stream via the presentation device.

2011-07-21

20110176791

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SMART DEICERS - Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a deicer system for heating water within a fluid receptacle to prevent ice from forming, the system including a main body configured to be positioned within the fluid receptacle, a heating element adapted to heat the water, a temperature sensor adapted to detect a temperature of the water, a switch adapted to activate and deactivate the heating element, and a control unit in communication with the heating element, the temperature sensor, and the switch. The heating element is supported by the main body. The control unit is adapted to control the heating element using the switch based at least in part on a temperature detected by the temperature sensor.

2011-07-21

20110176792

STORAGE TANK ASSEMBLY AND SYSTEM FOR STORING WASTE COOKING OIL - A storage tank and method for monitoring thereof is provided. The tank includes a first panel that defines a mounting surface for carrying a heating element. The heating element extends into the tank for heating liquids stowed therein. A sidewall interconnects the first panel and a spaced-apart second panel. A support extends from a bottom-facing surface of the second panel for supporting the tank in a spaced-apart relation from a nearby surface. The support further defines an upward-facing pocket for receiving a portion of the heating element. A control system may monitor the storage tank and alert a service provider of operative conditions thereof.

2011-07-21

20110176793

FOCUS DETECTION APPARATUS - A focus detection apparatus comprising a focus detection sensor formed by arranging a plurality of pairs of line sensors, each pair of line sensors receiving light beams that have passed through different pupil areas of an imaging lens configured to form an object image, a sensitivity setting unit configured to set a sensitivity for each pair of the plurality of pairs of line sensors, a selection unit configured to select line sensors of the pair of line sensors, whose signals are to be used for focus detection calculation, and a calculation unit configured to perform the focus detection calculation using the signals of the line sensors selected by the selection unit.

2011-07-21

20110176794

FOCUS DETECTION APPARATUS AND FOCUS DETECTION METHOD - A focus detection apparatus comprises: a photoelectric converter including a pair of line sensors to output electrical signals; a selection unit constructed to select one of focus detection points; a control unit constructed to divide the pair of line sensors into a plurality of pairs of blocks in accordance with different divisional patterns which make the resultant plurality of pairs of blocks respectively corresponding to the focus detection points, and read out electrical signals from each pair of blocks when the levels of the electrical signals of the pair of blocks reach a level suitable for focus detection; frame memories, constructed to store the read out electrical signals, corresponding to the divisional patterns; and a focus detection unit constructed to detect a focus state of an imaging lens, on the basis of a phase difference between electrical signals of the pair of blocks corresponding to the selected focus detection point.

2011-07-21

20110176795

DIGITAL IMAGING METHOD AND APPARATUS - A digital imaging apparatus and method by which an auto-focus (AF) operation may be effectively performed during capture of a moving image. The apparatus performs the AF operation during the capture of the moving image when it is determined that a lens is appropriate for capturing the moving image based on received lens information and stops the AF operation during the capture of the moving image when it is determined that the lens is inappropriate for capturing the moving image. When the lens inappropriate for capturing the moving image is mounted, the AF operation may be performed using an additional switch or a manual-focus (MF) operation may be performed.

2011-07-21

20110176796

CAMERA MODULE FOR CAPTURING PANORAMIC IMAGE - A camera module includes an image capturing member, a movable member, a first magnet, a second magnet, and an electromagnetic coil. The image capturing member is configured for capturing images, and has an optical axis. The movable member receives the image capturing member, and is rotatable about a rotation axis substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of the image capturing member. The first magnet and a second magnet are respectively fixed to opposite sides of the movable member. The first magnet and the second magnet are respectively arranged at opposite sides of the optical axis and at opposite sides of the rotation axis. The electromagnetic coil is wrapped around the first and second magnets for acting upon the first and second magnets, thereby producing a magnetic force to drive the movable member to rotate about the rotation axis.

2011-07-21

20110176797

Photographic and Projection Device - A photographic and projection device includes an image sensor, a lens assembly, a movable reflective mirror, and a display panel. The movable mirror has a reflective surface, and the movable mirror is disposed between the lens assembly and the image sensor. The display panel is located towards the reflective surface of the movable reflective mirror. When the movable mirror is located in a first position an external image can be formed on the image sensor by the lens assembly, and when the movable mirror is located in a second position the image of the display panel can be projected to the outside by the movable mirror and the lens assembly.

2011-07-21

20110176798

LENS BARRIER UNIT - An object of the present invention is to provide a lens barrier unit that can further reduce the retraction space of lens barriers. A lens barrier unit of the present invention includes a barrier case

2011-07-21

20110176799

FOCAL PLANE SHUTTER DEVICE AND IMAGING DEVICE - A focal plane shutter device includes a shutter base plate having an opening part, a front curtain, a first elastic member, a rear curtain, a second elastic member, and a drive unit. The front curtain is movable between a first and second position to cover and uncover the opening. The first urging member is configured to move the front curtain between the first and second positions. The rear curtain is movable between a first and second position to cover and uncover the opening. The second urging member is configured to move the rear curtain between the first and second positions. The drive unit is configured to resist the first and second urging members. The drive unit is also configured to hold the front curtain at the second position when resisting the first urging member and hold the rear curtain at the first position when resisting the second urging member.

2011-07-21

20110176800

Ergonomic Photographic Device - An ergonomic photographic device includes a camera and a shell. The shell has a front portion and a back portion, with the camera being disposed in the front portion. The back portion has a leaning portion which is capable of accommodating leaning of the palm of a user. When the arm and wrist of the user are kept at a neutral angle, the camera is kept at a horizontal angle.

2011-07-21

20110176801

TRANSMISSION UNIT, OPTICAL TRANSMISSION APPARATUS, COMMUNICATION CONTROL METHOD AND PROGRAM STORAGE MEDIUM - A transmission unit of this application includes a transmission unit, operating in one of modes including a normal communication mode and a connection confirmation mode, wherein the transmission unit transmits, in the normal communication mode, an OSC (Optical Supervisory Channel) signal with time average power beyond predetermined upper limit power; and wherein the transmission unit transmits, in the connection confirmation mode, the OSC signal with time average power lower than the upper limit power and with a transmission rate lower than a transmission rate in the normal communication mode.

2011-07-21

20110176802

Channel Power Control in an Optical Network Node - A method and apparatus suitable for controlling the power of a channel in an optical network are described. A control system for a variable optical attenuator includes a processing element arranged to: (a) receive a signal indicative of the radiation power of an optical signal output from a variable optical attenuator; (b) determine an error signal in dependence upon the received signal and a predetermined target radiation power level; (c) determine a control signal for controlling the attenuation of the variable optical attenuator in dependence upon the error signal and a gain factor; and (d) repeat the operations of (a) to (c). The control system is arranged to utilize a first value of the gain factor during a first time period and a second, lower value of the gain factor during a second time period. Such a control system can be used to control the introduction of a channel in a node of an automatically switched optical network.

2011-07-21

20110176803

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INDOOR POSITIONING USING LED LIGHTING - A system for performing indoor positioning using a Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting unit is provided. The system includes the LED lighting unit for determining whether transmission packet data exists in a frame to be transmitted, modulating the transmission packet data in accordance with a predetermined method in order to maintain a uniform brightness of the LED lighting unit when the transmission packet data exists, and transmitting the frame including the modulated transmission packet data. The system also includes a mobile terminal for receiving the frame, demodulating the modulated transmission packet data to determine the transmission packet data, and performing indoor positioning by using the demodulated transmission packet data and information included in the frame.

TECHNIQUE FOR SELECTIVELY CHANGING DISPERSION IN OPTICAL COMMUNICATION CHANNELS - A reconfigurable wavelength selective dispersion compensation device RWSDCD for selective compensation of dispersion in optical channels having different wavelengths. The RWSDCD comprises a controllable wavelength selective unit WSU having a plurality of local, wavelength related input/output (I/O) ports. The RWDSD also comprises a dispersion compensation cascade comprising at least one chain of successively connected dispersion compensation units DCUs, wherein one or more of the DCUs in the chain are respectively connectable to one or more of the local I/O ports. The RWSDCD outputs one or more of the incoming optical channels upon selectively compensating chromatic dispersion in them, by controllably passing these channels via one or more DCUs of the dispersion compensation cascade.

2011-07-21

20110176806

OPTICAL BURST RECEIVER WITH A CONFIGURABLE AC AND DC COUPLING INTERFACE - A method for enabling AC coupling or DC coupling when receiving burst data signals comprises generating a hold-over pattern, wherein the hold-over pattern is a AC balanced pattern when an AC coupling is required and a low-logic value signal when a DC coupling is required; inputting the generated hold-over pattern to an AC coupling circuit, when no burst data signal is received; inputting only a received burst data signal to the AC coupling circuit, during the reception of such signal; and upon receiving of the entire burst data signal, generating a reset signal causing to input the generated hold-over pattern to an AC coupling circuit.

2011-07-21

20110176807

COMMUNICATION BETWEEN NETWORK INTERFACE DEVICE AND SUBSCRIBER DEVICES VIA POWER SUPPLY LINES - The disclosure describes communication of information between a network interface device and subscriber devices over a power line. A UPS unit receives operating power from subscriber premises via a first power line and delivers operating power to the network interface device via a second power line. The network interface device transmits and receives information, such as voice, video and data, to and from the UPS unit via the second power line. The UPS unit receives the information transmitted by the network interface device via the second power line, and transmits the received information to subscriber devices within the premises via the first power line. The UPS unit receives information transmitted by subscriber devices via the first power line, and transmits the received information to the network interface device via the second power line. The first and second power lines each serve as both a power line and a communication medium.

2011-07-21

20110176808

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MULTICAST PROCESSING - The present invention discloses a method for multicast processing, including: when replicating downlink multicast data, an Optical Line Terminal (OLT), on which a same port is connected to different types of Optical Network Units (ONUs), replicates the multicast data to different broadcast or multicast logical channels according to the ONU types of users who join a multicast group. The present invention also discloses a device for multicast processing. The present invention achieves efficient multicast processing when different types of ONUs coexist, therefore preventing excessive data from unnecessarily interfering with the ONUs, meanwhile, efficiently utilizing the bandwidth between an OLT and an ONU, and avoiding the meaningless bandwidth occupation by data streams.

2011-07-21

20110176809

OPTICAL TRANSMISSION SYSTEM AND OPTICAL TRANSMISSION METHOD - After implementing a scrambler upon an electric signal of digital signals to be transmitted to a user terminal, this electric signal is converted into a digital optical signal, and an analog optical signal and this digital optical signal are multiplexed by wavelength division multiplexing, thereby reducing influence of cross-talk interference that is exerted on the analog optical signal by the digital optical signal.

2011-07-21

20110176810

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MULTI-RATE, HIGH-SENSITIVITY CLOCK AND DATA RECOVERY WITH ADJUSTABLE DECISION THRESHOLD, RF INPUT, AND OPTICAL-TO-ELECTRICAL CONVERSION - The present invention provides a system and method for multi-rate, high-sensitivity CDR, including a variable/adjustable decision threshold, RF input clock recovery, and OE conversion feature. The system includes an optical input connector, CDR circuit, decision threshold circuit, internal power supply, OE converter, external electrical output, and multiple clock outputs. The system is assembled in a single, stand-alone unit. The system includes an OC-192 data output, and OC-192 (9.953-10.709 GHz) and ¼ OC-48 (2.488-2.677 GHz) clock outputs. The decision threshold level is adjustable and optimized by a system user. The system is also used in combination with a digital communications analyzer. A recovered clock of the CDR circuit provides trigger for the DCA. The system includes an electrical input connector. Optionally, the system triggers directly from an RF electrical input in substitution of an optical input. The system is also used to convert an optical signal to an electrical signal, bypassing the CDR circuit.

2011-07-21

20110176811

ALL FIBER TOWED ARRAY - A system and method for an acoustic sensor array of a bundle of N different length optical fiber sensors. A coherent or noncoherent light source is input to each fiber for transmission along the length of the fiber. The light signal is reflected back at the fiber end point, and the resulting reflected light is diverted to an optical receiver so that perturbations of intensity and/or phase may be extracted.

2011-07-21

20110176812

OPTICAL COMMUNICATION CARD AND COMMUNICATION DEVICE - Multiplexing-technology based large-capacity transmission requires the installation of many types of interface card. In addition, supporting a redundant configuration for preventing data communication from being interrupted requires the devices and cards more than double those required for the production system. An optical communication card includes multiple optical signal transmission/reception units, main signal processing units corresponding to the optical signal transmission/reception units and required for a multiplexed system, and a connection selection unit that can switch among multiple optical transmission lines, and each of the main signal processing units includes multiple function units and a function selection unit.

2011-07-21

20110176813

Method and System for Electrical Domain Optical Spectrum Shaping - A system is provided for electrical domain optical spectrum shaping. The system may include a laser, a modulator, a first electrical filter, and a second electrical filter. The laser may be configured to output an optical carrier signal. The modulator may be configured to modulate the optical carrier signal to output a modulated optical signal based on a first filtered input signal and a second filtered input signal received by the modulator. The first electrical filter may be configured to filter a first input signal to produce the first filtered input signal. The second electrical filter may be configured to filter a second input signal to produce the second filtered input signal.

2011-07-21

20110176814

PLASTIC OPTICAL FIBER CABLE AND METHOD OF TRANSMITTING SIGNAL - A plastic optical fiber cable includes: a bare plastic optical fiber including a core formed of a polymer containing a methyl methacrylate unit, and a clad layer including a layer formed of a specific fluorine-containing olefin resin at least in the outermost layer; and a coating layer around the bare plastic optical fiber, the coating layer including a light-shielding coating layer formed of a specific nylon resin composition, a functional coating layer (C) and a functional coating layer (D) in this order, where one of the functional coating layer (C) and the functional coating layer (D) is formed of a resin composition (I) containing a polybutylene terephthalate resin as a major component or an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer as a major component; the other is formed of a specific nylon resin composition (II); and a ratio of the thickness of the functional coating layer (C) to the thickness of the functional coating layer (D) is set to fall within a specific range.

2011-07-21

20110176815

MULTI-CHANNEL OPTICAL TRANSCEIVER WITH OFFSET QUADRATURE AMPLITUDE MODULATION - The present disclosure provides a multi-carrier optical transmitter, receiver, transceiver, and associated methods utilizing offset quadrature amplitude modulation thereby achieving significant increases in spectral efficiency, with negligible sensitivity penalties. In an exemplary embodiment, an optical transmitter includes circuitry configured to generate a plurality of optical subcarriers, a plurality of data signals for each of the plurality of subcarriers, and a plurality of modulator circuits for each of the plurality of subcarriers, wherein each of the plurality of modulator circuits includes circuitry configured to offset an in-phase component from a quadrature component of one of the plurality data signals by one-half baud period.

2011-07-21

20110176816

OPTICAL TRANSMISSION APPARATUS - An optical transmission apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a plurality of optical modulating sections serially connected to each other via optical fibers; driving sections corresponding to the optical modulating sections; delay amount varying sections that provide variable delay amounts for modulating signals to be input to the driving sections, to adjust timing between drive signals to be provided for the optical modulating sections; temperature monitoring sections that monitor the temperature of each of the optical fibers and the like; and a delay amount control section that controls the delay amount in each of the delay amount varying sections based on the monitored temperatures.

2011-07-21

20110176817

DEVELOPER AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS INCLUDING THE SAME - A developer of an image-forming apparatus includes a photoconductor, a housing comprising a waste toner container in which waste toner removed from the photoconductor is contained, and a recessed portion depressed downwardly in a center portion of an upper wall of the waste toner container, the center portion corresponding to a center portion of the photoconductor in a lengthwise direction to move toner away from the center portion.

2011-07-21

20110176818

IMAGE FORMING DEVICE, IDENTIFYING DEVICE, SEMICONDUCTOR INTEGRATED DEVICE, AND IDENTIFYING METHOD - In an image forming device, a plurality of objects are detachably disposed, each of the objects having a storage area to store object-related information of the object, and configured to return, in response to an acquisition request, a signal with a voltage in a predetermined range which is distinctly different among the objects, the signal carrying the object-related information of the object. The image forming device includes a transmitting unit that transmits acquisition requests of object-related information to the objects respectively, a receiving unit that receives signals from the objects respectively, a voltage detection unit that detects a range of voltage of each of the signals received, and an identifying unit that identifies each of the objects respectively based on the ranges of voltage detected.

DEVELOPMENT DEVICE, PROCESS CARTRIDGE, AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A development device includes a toner-containing chamber for containing supplied toner having an interior wall, a developer-containing chamber for containing developer including toner and carrier communicating with the toner-containing chamber; and a transport screw to transport the supplied toner from the toner-containing chamber to the developer-containing chamber, disposed in the toner-containing chamber so that there is no gap between the outer edge of the transport screw and the interior wall of the toner-containing chamber in a portion lower than a level of the supplied toner in the toner-containing chamber.

2011-07-21

20110176821

FIXING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A fixing device, in which an unfixed image carried by a recording medium is passed through a fixing nip part being pressed by a fixing rotative body and a pressuring rotative body, and is fixed to the recording medium, is disclosed, including: a pressing part, and control part. The pressing part applies a pressure to the fixing nip part. The control part controls the pressure to be applied to the fixing nip part by the pressing part, to be lower than a case in which the recording medium passes through a curl correcting part for correcting a curl of the recording medium, when the recording medium does not pass through the curl correcting part.

2011-07-21

20110176822

IMAGE FIXING APPARATUS STABLY CONTROLLING A FIXING TEMPERATURE, AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS USING THE SAME - An image forming apparatus includes an image forming mechanism and an image fixing unit. The image forming mechanism forms a toner image on a recording sheet. The image fixing unit fixes the toner image onto the recording sheet. The image fixing unit includes a magnetic flux generator, a heat member, a magnetic flux adjuster, and a controlling member. The magnetic flux generator generates a magnetic flux. The heat member is heated inductively by the magnetic flux generated by the magnetic flux generator. The magnetic flux adjuster reduces the magnetic flux active on the heat member to form a heat reduction area in an outer circumferential surface of the heat member in a width direction thereof. The controlling member moves the magnetic flux adjuster to change the heat reduction area.

2011-07-21

20110176823

IMAGE HEATING APPARATUS - An image heating apparatus includes a heating member for heating a toner image on a recording material in a heating nip, a pressing member for forming the heating nip and being in contact with the heating member, an abrading member for abrading a surface of the heating member, a contact-and-separation device for causing contact and separation of the abrading member with respect to the heating member, and a selecting device for selecting, depending on the basis weight of the recording material to be heated by the heating member, whether or not the contact-and-separation means brings the abrading member into contact with the heating member before a recording material is conveyed to the heating nip.

2011-07-21

20110176824

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes a photosensitive, an intermediary transfer belt, a first charging device and a second charging device. Residual toner remaining on the intermediary transfer belt is to be electrically charged by the first and second charging devices and then is to be collected by being move from the intermediary transfer belt to the photosensitive. The first and second charging devices are successively contacted to the intermediary transfer belt from the first charging device disposed on an upstream side with timing when the first and second charging devices oppose the intermediary transfer belt, thus electrically charging the residual toner. Thereafter, the first and second charging devices are successively spaced from the intermediary transfer belt from the first charging device.

2011-07-21

20110176825

IMAGE FORMING SYSTEM, AND CONTROL APPARATUS, CONTROL METHOD AND STORAGE MEDIUM THEREFOR - An image forming system capable of immediately responding to a job command given by a user, reducing power consumption, and preventing the service life of component parts from being adversely affected. In a case where no printing is to be performed, a main controller of the image forming system controls each of first and second image forming apparatuses of the image forming system to assume either a standby state or a sleep state. In a case where printing is to be performed, the main controller controls each of the first and second image forming apparatuses to assume either the standby state or the sleep state according to whether double-sided printing should be performed or single-sided printing should be performed.

2011-07-21

20110176826

PRINTING CONTROL APPARATUS, PRINTING CONTROL METHOD, AND PROGRAM - A printing control apparatus includes a storage unit configured to store information about a plurality of print jobs and a plurality of printing devices in a storage device, a detection unit configured to detect the shift of operating status of the plurality of printing devices, a determination unit configured to determine a print job which a printing device prints from the plurality of print jobs based on the information about the plurality of print jobs and the plurality of printing devices stored in the storage device when the shift of the printing device to a standby state is detected by the detection unit, and a print control unit configured to cause the first printing device to print the print job determined by the determination unit.

2011-07-21

20110176827

POWER SUPPLY APPARATUS, ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT, AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A power supply apparatus includes a first electric power-generating unit that generates an electric power with a first voltage, a second electric power-generating unit that generates an electric power with a second voltage that is higher than the first voltage, and an overcurrent monitoring circuit to which electric powers for operation are supplied from the first electric power-generating unit and the second electric power-generating unit and that monitors overcurrent in the second electric power-generating unit.

2011-07-21

20110176828

DEVELOPING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS INCLUDING THE SAME - A developing device includes a toner storage area containing toner, a developing portion in which a developing roller is installed, and a housing including a toner supply window to connect the toner storage area and the developing portion. A pair of rails is disposed on the toner supply window to extend in a lengthwise direction of the developing roller, and a blocking member including a blocking portion is provided to open and close the toner supply window when the blocking member is removed from and inserted into the pair of rails from outside of the housing, respectively.

2011-07-21

20110176829

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND IMAGE FORMING UNIT - An image forming apparatus includes: an apparatus body formed with an opening; a cover capable of opening and closing the opening of the apparatus body; an image forming unit accommodated in the apparatus body; an exposure device provided at the cover; a first fit part provided at one of the image forming unit and the exposure device and having a first reference line; a second fit part provided at the other of the image forming unit and the exposure device and configured to be fit to the first fit part in a state where the cover is closed and having a second reference line; and a mechanism configured to, as the exposure device gets closer to the image forming unit upon closing the cover, make the first reference line of the first fit part closer to the second reference line of the second fit part by changing the inclination of the first fit part.

2011-07-21

20110176830

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND IMAGE FORMING METHOD - According to one embodiment, a method of setting, when at least one of image forming units does not perform image formation, an electric field between an image carrier and a transfer device of the image forming unit which does not perform the image formation to have the same direction as that of an electric field between the image carrier and the transfer device which perform the image formation and have a lower strength can be obtained.

2011-07-21

20110176831

LOW FRICTION ELECTROSTATOGRAPHIC IMAGING MEMBER - Present embodiments pertain to an improved electrostatographic imaging member having low contact friction surfaces to ease sliding mechanical interaction and suppressing abrasion/wear failure and methods of preparing thereof. The improved imaging member has layers comprising one or two low surface energy polymeric materials that enhance the physical and mechanical functions and reduce the layers surface contact friction of the imaging member to extend service life.

2011-07-21

20110176832

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes: a photosensitive drum; a development roller; a transfer roller; a drum driving unit that includes a forwardly and reversely rotatable motor; a forward transport unit; a reverse transport unit; and a transfer potential control unit that is configured to control a surface potential of the transfer roller to have a reverse polarity to that of the developer on the photosensitive drum during the forward rotation of the motor and control the surface potential of the transfer roller to be a potential that has the same polarity as the developer on the photosensitive drum and is equal to or higher than a surface potential of the photosensitive drum during the reverse rotation of the motor.

2011-07-21

20110176833

CHARGING MEMBER AND ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS - To provide a charging member that can have a uniform electrical resistance, can not easily change in electrical resistance even by any long-term continuous electrification and, as a result thereof, may cause less change in its charging performance with time. A charging member having a conductive support and an elastic-material layer; the elastic-material layer comprising a vulcanized rubber; the vulcanized rubber being a vulcanized product of a composition which comprises i) a binder polymer comprising a polymer having a butadiene skeleton and ii) carbon black as electrically conductive particles; and the polymer having a butadiene skeleton has a molecular terminal modified with an atomic group having a specific structure.

2011-07-21

20110176834

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND DEVELOPER CONTAINER THEREFOR - An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of developing units respectively including developer inlets, the developing units are arranged side by side in a first direction, a plurality of developer containers to contain developers to be supplied to the plurality of developing units and respectively including developer outlets, the developer units are arranged side by side in the first direction to face the plurality of developing units, and a plurality of developer supplying paths respectively to connect the developer inlets to the developer outlets, wherein the plurality of developer containers include first and second developer containers, and a position of the developer outlet of the second developer container is different from position of the developer outlet of the first developer container.